ESTEVAN — Families in Estevan now have a new way to access sports and outdoor equipment for free, thanks to a new initiative by the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre (EEYFRC). The program, called Play It Forward, allows families to borrow gear at no cost, helping to make physical activity more accessible.
Sydney Wanner, EEYFRC's executive director, said the idea was born out of a discussion about the cost of organized sports and the financial strain it can put on families.
"We were sitting around one day and talking about how expensive organized sports can be, and the missed opportunities that families have just from simply not being able to afford it," Wanner said.
Beyond affordability, the program also aims to provide an opportunity for families to test out activities before committing to purchasing expensive equipment.
Over the past two months, EEYFRC has been collecting equipment through donations from local families, organizations and businesses. Fresh Air Fitness and Canadian Tire provided some valuable donations, Wanner said. With enough stockpiled gear, the centre officially launched the program in early February.
"We have a variety. We have hockey sticks, hockey equipment, helmets, every kind of ball that you can imagine," Wanner said. "We have things like sleds and yoga mats and more."
Families interested in borrowing equipment can browse a catalogue at the centre, sign a waiver and take home the items for a day, a weekend, or even for up to two weeks.
"There's no fee at all," Wanner said. "You just come and borrow it as you please, and then you just promise to bring it back how they had it."
The initiative is expected to expand beyond sports gear to include other outdoor activity items.
"It doesn't have to be all sports," Wanner said. "We want to encourage families to just go outside together and spend time."
The first family to use Play It Forward borrowed a pair of skates for a school skating event, Wanner said. While the centre currently has only four pairs of skates, donations are ongoing to increase the selection.
"We want to keep collecting things like that because same with helmets or gloves, there are a lot of different sizes," she said. "So the more donations we get, the more variety we can have and the more families we can help."
The program operates on an honour system, with borrowers expected to return equipment in good condition.
Wanner expressed gratitude for the community's support in making the program possible.
"There's been organizations and our families donating stuff," she said. "So a big thank you to everyone. Things like this can't be possible without the community, so we always appreciate it."
The Play It Forward program is now open to all families in Estevan. Donations of new or gently used equipment are welcome.
